Leeds Rhinos confirmed the signing of 6’5” forward Jeremiah Mata’utia from North Queensland Cowboys on a one-year contract ahead of the 2026 season, with a further twelve-month extension option for the Rhinos. 

Born in New Zealand and played his junior rugby at Otara Scorpions, Mata'utia was recruited by North Queensland Cowboys and moved to Australia in 2022 to join the club's youth ranks.

As part of his development in the Cowboys system, he played rugby for Townsville Blackhawks' junior ranks and at Kirwan State High School, where he became a stand out player in their 2022 side. During the 2023 season, he balanced his time between the club's Under-21s and Hostplus Cup side, notably securing back to back Hastings Deering Colts Grand Final titles for the club as he started and scored in the 40-0 win over Brisbane Tigers. He played twice for Christian Quabba's Hostplus Cup side as they finished twelfth in the 2023 campaign. Debuting against Mackay Cutters in a 46-6 final score, he also came off the bench against Central Queensland and Burleigh Bears.

2024 saw the forward move to Mackay Cutters, where he broke into the squad in round nine for the Cutters' clash against Burleigh Bears. His first season at the club saw Mata'utia play eight games mostly off the bench. Ahead of the 2025 season, Mata'utia was given the opportunity to feature for the Cowboys senior side for the first time during the Pre-Season Challenge. He was named on the bench against the Dolphins. He spent the season back at Mackay Cutters though, featuring 18 times for Adam Cuthbertson's side as they finished 12th in the final standings. He made three starts against the Seagulls. Magpies and Clydesdale, plus he was a try scorer against Norths Devils in round 10 in a tight 24-22 defeat.